Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.

Safety for the Season

With winter weather comes the need to be prepared, whether you’re staying in your apartment or out traveling to your grandma’s house over the river and through the woods.

Having ‘extra’ supplies on hand is a good hedge against those days when the sub-zero temps and icy roads make it a great idea to stay inside.

When there’s a good sale on non-perishable items, buy a few extra cans and stash them away.

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has some suggestions of what to do during a winter storm whether you’re inside or outside, including eating regularly and drinking ample fluids, but avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

If you’re outside, dress in layers and stay dry. If you’re shoveling snow, stretch before you go outside and take your time, a heart attack is not the Christmas gift you want for yourself and your family.

During a winter storm, only drive if absolutely necessary and stick to the main roads, while keeping others informed of your schedule.

Winter can be a beautiful season, especially if you like winter sports and snow. The beautiful white covering restores a sense of purity to the earth and muffles the sounds that we make in our machine filled world.

Enjoy the season but don’t let all those Christmas goodies go to your head and cloud your judgment.

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.